7 Irish Fashion Buyers Share Their Favourite Pieces For AW16

Fashion buyers SPILL THE BEANS on their favourite pieces for AW16 for AISLINN COFFEY

1. CLODAGH SHORTEN. Samui, Cork

WE BOUGHT Dries Van Noten (above): opulent velvet pieces, leopard prints; pearls and feathers. The trend for ruffles continues. We’re taken with No 21’s interpretation, where big bows embellish dresses and shirts. I’ve invested in Balenciaga’s black neoprene Race Runners.THE ACCESSORIES New to Samui is Rosantica by jeweller Michela Panero: traditional Roman-inspired designs with directional shapes. And anything feathered makes us happy. Cutuli Cult Italian cashmere scarves with fur trim are super-smart.HOW TO WEAR IT ALL Mix it up. Pair feminine ruffles with masculine tailoring; sequins with tweed. The front half-tuck is the coolest way to wear your shirts, tees and sweaters. A neck cuff is a simple but stunning way to add drama to a simple dress or top.

2. TRACY TUCKER Costume, Dublin 2

WE BOUGHT Classic parkas. We’ve stocked Yves Salomon’s Army range for a number of years, they have lasting appeal.Our collection of authentic kimonos is particularly lust-worthy.HOT LABELS Spanish designer, Jorge Vázquez. Expect rich jewel tones, layered lace, sequins, and some exquisite embroidery on sheer dresses.THE ACCESSORIES Rochas tote bag: a classic tote with a subtly shiny finish. Loulerie Rainbow Moonstone ring.HOW TO WEAR ITALL Layer it up. A fine-gauge knit is the perfect outfit base and is a little more luxurious than a standard thermal. Sequins as daywear: don’t limit your sparkle to after hours, especially during winter. Lurex and metallic brocade are fantastic daywear options too. Invest in a good leather jacket. Regardless of the style (biker, oversized, waterfall) it’s a hard-wearing material that only gets better with age. Pair a structured Isabel Marant Étoile biker style with a formal dress to add a little rock ‘n’ roll edge.

3. ANITA BARR Harvey Nichols

WE BOUGHT Boxy shapes and dropped shoulders from Isabel Marant, Haider Ackermann and Paco Rabanne. Oversized dressing is key and metallics are big news. If the season can be summed up in one fabric, it’s velvet.HOT LABELS Coach: the latest collection has an edge not typically associated with the brand. Khirma, launched by former NY fashion editor Khirma Eliazov, features statement clutches. Brandon Maxwell: we picked up this NYC-based brand exclusively – sophisticated and timeless.THE ACCESSORIES Zips, studs and rivets are back. Hot pink took a starring role in a number of key collections, from the new satchels at McQueen to suede sandals at Paul Andrew. AW16 shoes are all about texture: velvet, shearling and faux fur. Gorgeous trims in rainbow colours adorn styles at Gianvito Rossi, Joshua Sanders and Loeffler Randall.HOW TO WEAR IT ALL If your wardrobe is neutral, invest in an eye-catching bag. Leopard print is essential. Mix winter florals with animal prints. Transform eveningwear into daywear by layering over a chunky knit or crisp shirt underneath a party dress. Add heavy-duty flat boots for a boyish silhouette and modern twist.

4. SHELLY CORKERY Brown Thomas

WE BOUGHT Jackets from Balenciaga and Vetements with volume on the shoulders which will continue into next season. Midi length A-line skirts with a focus on the feminine silhouette. Outerwear is key.HOT LABELS Vetements, Ellery and Loewe are all brand new to Brown Thomas Dublin.HOW TO WEAR IT ALL Have fun with proportions – an oversized dress worn with shrunken jackets and cinched-in waist. Don’t be afraid of clashing prints. Blur the lines between street style and couture fashion – team your lace evening dress over a pair of raw edge denim jeans.THREE ACCESSORIES The Gucci Marmont Bag, Prada wedge-heel knee-high boot and Miu Miu crystal embellished headband.

5. MARGARET GALLAGHER Les Jumelles, Galway

WE BOUGHT Leather jackets by Rick Owens, investment pieces that never date and will see you through season after season. We are also loving bold colourful prints this AW with brands such as Carven and Goat featuring the trend throughout their collections. Lastly, there is no better fashion investment than a good pair of winter boots. Our favourites are Acne and Alexander Wang styles that wear well and look even better.HOT LABELS Natan, Mila & James and Annette Gortz.THE ACCESSORIES Carven faux fur collars to mix and match over your winter coats. A Fabiana Fillipe statement necklace and bottle of Molecules perfume – a must-have signature scent.HOW TO WEAR ITALL Bring your wardrobe of neutrals to life by adding a pop of colour. Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication – less is always more. As always, good underwear is key.